Even the officiating crew shot glares Sefolosha's way when he first slowed down and then dribbled quickly forward to launch an unnecessary three-pointer at the buzzer of the Bulls' 94-89 victory over the Lakers.

Perhaps officials are sensitive to attempts to run up the score in light of recent accusations against Nuggets coach George Karl for keeping his starters in during Saturday's blowout of the Knicks. An ugly brawl ensued.

Whatever the case, consider Sefolosha schooled.

"[Skiles] just said to me, `You don't do that,'" Sefolosha said Wednesday.

Sefolosha's rash decision belied his typical cool composure, which has been most impressive in his two stints against Bryant. On Nov. 19 in Los Angeles and Tuesday night at the United Center, Sefolosha used his length and strong court awareness to defend effectively against Bryant.

Bryant is a special talent who can score even when guarded well. His misses often are as much a byproduct of his own game as what any defender does against him. But Sefolosha's poise has been as impressive as his positioning.

"Thabo has a way about him," said Bulls lead assistant Jim Boylan, who oversaw a short and light shooting practice with Skiles home ill. "I don't know if it's from playing European professional basketball for a number of years or that he has lived away from home and has done a lot of things [fellow rookie Tyrus Thomas] is experiencing for the first time.

"But he has composure. He doesn't really get flustered. Even if he does, he doesn't show it. He has a stoic kind of personality out there. That's good. He doesn't show any weaknesses."

Sefolosha scored only five points against the Lakers. But Boylan called the performance one of his better all-around games because of his solid decision-making on offense and his forcing Bryant to catch the ball in uncomfortable spots on the floor.

"Kobe is probably the greatest player in the world," Boylan said. "He went head-to-head with him and held his own. That's a credit to him."

Young players spout lines all the time about paying attention to the number, not the name on the back of the jersey. When Sefolosha says something similar, it's believable.

"When I'm on the court, I don't try to look at him as Kobe Bryant but as just another basketball player," Sefolosha said. "When I look at the tape, I see Kobe Bryant. It's always nice to play against that type of player. But at the moment, I don't try to think about that."

As Boylan alluded, Sefolosha has a past that has prepared him for the unpredictability of an NBA rookie season.

Sefolosha has lived alone and played professionally in both France and Italy. He has played against older, more experienced players. He has tasted highs and lows.

"That really has been helpful in adjusting to life here," Sefolosha acknowledged. "I just try to play every night with energy and try to do what the coach asks me to do."

Sefolosha's list has grown: Stop taking rub-it-in three-pointers.

Layup

P.J. Brown practiced Wednesday and has been cleared to play Friday in New York.

This development is a relief to Brown for reasons beyond missing the last four games with a strained right plantar fascia.

"It's time to focus on basketball," Brown said. "I've never been disruptive during my entire career, and I don't plan on starting now."

Brown caused waves last week when he went public with frustrations over his inconsistent role after his name was discussed in trade talks. After a Monday meeting with general manager John Paxson, Skiles and his agent, Brown said his relationship with management is fine.

"I've been a consistent, productive player throughout my career, which I still plan on doing here the rest of the way," Brown said.

That said, it's just as likely Brown's expiring $8 million contract will be moved before the Feb. 22 trade deadline.

After Paxson's attempt to pry Marcus Camby from the Nuggets became public, teams started making similarly long-shot offers. The Newark Star Ledger reported the Nets offered center Jason Collins, who has two years and $12.3 million remaining on his contract.

Paxson would take on salary to acquire a player such as Camby, but not Collins. More intriguing offers could come as the deadline approaches.